Postage Stamps and Postal History of Malaysia Through the Ages

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View of a Malaysia Airlines Airliner at the Airport
Credit: pexels.com, View of a Malaysia Airlines Airliner at the Airport

Malaysia's postage stamp history is a fascinating tale of colonial influence and national identity. The country's first postage stamps were introduced in 1892 by the British colonial government.

The first stamps featured the image of King Edward VII, reflecting the British monarch's influence on the country's postal system. The stamps were a mix of British and local designs, showcasing the blending of cultures during the colonial era.

Malaysia's postal system has undergone significant changes since its inception, with the country gaining independence in 1957. The first domestic stamp was issued in 1958, marking a new era in Malaysia's postal history.

The country's postal system has continued to evolve, with the introduction of new stamps and postal services. Today, Malaysia has a well-developed postal system that connects the country to the rest of the world.

Malaysian Postage Stamps

Malaysian commemorative stamps have a rich history, with the first ones issued on September 16, 1963, to celebrate the creation of the federation, featuring a map of the nation.

Credit: youtube.com, New stamps to celebrate postal history of Kedah

The first miniature sheet was released on 31 August 1982 to commemorate Malaysia's 25th anniversary as an independent nation, and it sold out quickly due to its popularity on first day covers.

This miniature sheet is notable for having a silver frame around the edges of the top left 10 cents stamp in the original printings, which is difficult to see unless viewed at an angle to the light.

If you're looking to collect mint or used stamps from this sheet, be aware that mint sheets with the silver frame are scarcer than used ones without it, making the silver frame a valuable feature for collectors.

Malaysian Definitive

The Malaysian Definitive stamps are a fascinating topic. The first definitive stamps were issued in 1963, featuring orchids for the State low values and birds for the Malaysia high values.

The original state issues were printed by Bradbury Wilkinson & Sons in the United Kingdom. They were printed in sheets of 200 in two panes of 100, 10 x 10.

Each state had seven values, and there were eight high values inscribed 'Malaysia'. The states that were featured on these stamps were quite numerous, with 13 states in total.

The printing process used for these stamps was lithography.

Malaysian Commemorative

Credit: youtube.com, Pos Malaysia launches new stamps

Malaysian Commemorative stamps have a rich history. The first commemorative stamps of Malaysia were issued on September 16, 1963, to celebrate the creation of the federation, showing a map of the nation.

Malaysia created its first miniature sheet in 1982 to commemorate its 25th anniversary as an independent nation. This was a success and led to the creation of more new miniature sheets.

The first miniature sheet, issued on 31 August 1982, was much used on first day covers and sold out early. An additional printing was ordered to satisfy the demand.

Mint sheets with a silver frame around the edges of the top left 10 cents stamp are scarcer than used sheets, and used sheets without the silver frame are scarcer than mint sheets. The silver frame is difficult to see, and is best viewed by holding the sheet at an angle to the light.

Malaysian States

Pahang's postal history began in 1889 with overprinted stamps from the Straits Settlements.

Postage Stamp
Credit: pexels.com, Postage Stamp

The first stamps specifically designed for Pahang appeared in 1891, featuring a jumping tiger or tiger's head. These designs were similar to those used in other Malay states during the same period.

The Pahang Sultanate was a British protectorate from 1888 and part of the Federated Malay States from 1895.

Perlis, on the other hand, used stamps from the Federated Malay States from 1909 to 1912.

Federated Malay States

The Federated Malay States were formed in 1896, and their first stamps began in 1900, featuring a jumping tiger or an elephant design.

One of the interesting facts about the Federated Malay States is that due to a shortage of stamps, stamps of the Straits Settlements were also used from July 16, 1900, to January 1, 1902.

Stamps of the Federated Malay States continued to be issued until 1934, with a large number of varieties.

The Federated Malay States used stamps of the Straits Settlements from 1900 to 1935, before being replaced by stamps of the individual states in 1935.

Stamps of the Federated Malay States ceased in 1935 and were replaced by stamps of the individual states, marking the end of this era in Malaysian postal history.

Negri Sembilan

A Postal Stamp Under a Magnifying Glass
Credit: pexels.com, A Postal Stamp Under a Magnifying Glass

Negri Sembilan was placed under the control of a British Resident in 1887. The first stamp issued was in August 1891, featuring the overprinting of "Negri Sembilan" on stamps of the Strait Settlements.

In 1896, a series of stamps with the image of a tiger's head was issued. This was a significant development in the region's postal history.

The stamps of Negri Sembilan were used after Sungai Ujong had incorporated into the state in 1895. The issue of stamps was a crucial step in establishing a postal system in the region.

The incorporation of Sungai Ujong into Negri Sembilan marked a significant milestone in the state's history. It paved the way for the use of stamps with similar designs to those of Negri Sembilan.

The first stamp of Negri Sembilan featured a jumping tiger drawing. This was a unique and distinctive design that set it apart from other stamps in the region.

Here's a brief overview of the stamps issued by Negri Sembilan:

  • 1891: First stamp with "Negri Sembilan" overprinting on Strait Settlements stamps
  • 1896: Series of stamps with tiger's head image

Kedah

Credit: youtube.com, Malaysia state anthem: Kedah

Kedah's postal history is quite fascinating. The state was transferred from Siamese control in 1909.

After this transfer, the state initially used stamps from the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States.

In 1912, Kedah issued its first set of stamps featuring a rice sheaf, a peasant with a buffalo, and a government building. These stamps were a significant milestone for the state's postal system.

From 1922 onwards, Kedah also issued stamps overprinted with "Malaya Borneo Exhibition" for the Malaya-Borneo Exhibition.

After 1948, Kedah's stamp designs became similar to those of the other Malay states.

Historical Periods

Malaysia's postal history spans over a century, with the first postage stamps issued in 1892. The country's early postal system was influenced by British colonial rule.

The Straits Settlements period, from 1892 to 1942, saw the introduction of various stamp designs, including the iconic "Malaya" stamps. These stamps featured a range of colors and themes, including portraits of British monarchs and local flora.

The Japanese occupation of Malaysia from 1942 to 1945 brought significant changes to the postal system, including the introduction of new stamps and postal rates.

Japanese Occupation

A Person Holding a Stamp
Credit: pexels.com, A Person Holding a Stamp

During the Japanese occupation of Malaya, stamps of the Straits Settlements were handstamped "Post of the Military in Malaya" in Japanese.

The Japanese occupation of Malaya led to the overprinting of stamps with "Dai Nippon 2602 Malaya" or "Japanese post" in Japanese inscriptions.

A series of 10 definitive stamps was released in 1943, which was a significant development during this period.

These stamps were designed to be used in Malaya and Singapore, and they featured texts only in Japanese.

The Japanese occupation also involved the transfer of four territories, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu, to Thailand in October 1943.

Six stamps were issued in these territories, featuring the inscription "Thailand" in Thai and English, denominated in Malay currency.

The image on these stamps were similar to those of the 1943 Thailand issue, showing a monument.

Postal History Malaysia

Malaysia's postal history dates back to the 19th century when British colonial rule introduced the first postal system in 1867.

Credit: youtube.com, AllSomeTV: History of Malaysia Postal Service

The first postage stamp in Malaysia was issued in 1892, featuring Queen Victoria's profile.

In 1897, the Straits Settlements Post Office was established, serving the territories of Penang, Malacca, and Singapore.

The postal service played a crucial role in connecting Malaysia's diverse communities during the colonial era.

The first airmail service in Malaysia was introduced in 1935, revolutionizing mail delivery across the country.

The Japanese occupation of Malaysia during World War II disrupted postal services, but they were restored after the war.

The Federation of Malaya was established in 1948, and the first postage stamp featuring the federation's logo was issued in 1949.

The country's postal history continued to evolve after independence in 1957, with the introduction of new stamps and postal services.

The postal service in Malaysia has undergone significant changes over the years, adapting to technological advancements and growing demand.

Collecting and History

Malaysia's postage stamp history dates back to 1892, when the first stamps were issued by the Straits Settlements.

Credit: youtube.com, Meet stamp collector Anuar Bashah

The Straits Settlements stamps featured a mix of British and Asian designs, reflecting the region's cultural diversity.

The first stamp to feature a Malaysian monarch was the 1935 stamp of Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor.

The Johor sultan's stamp was notable for its use of the Malay script.

The Federation of Malaya stamps, issued from 1948 to 1963, featured a range of designs, including portraits of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the head of state.

The use of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's portrait on stamps helped to promote national unity.

The 1963 stamp of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Putra, marked a significant milestone in Malaysia's postal history.

Malaysia's postal system has undergone many changes since independence in 1957.

The country's first definitive stamp series, issued in 1963, featured a range of designs, including a portrait of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The 1963 definitive stamp series was a significant departure from the earlier stamps, which had featured British monarchs.

Malaysia's postal history is a rich and fascinating topic, with many interesting stories and facts to explore.

The use of different designs and themes on stamps has helped to promote national unity and cultural diversity.

The postal system has played an important role in shaping Malaysia's history and identity.

Albums and Organization

Credit: youtube.com, malaysia stamps /stamps collection/rare stamps Malaysia/hai kannanRare stamps collection in Malaysia

Organizing your collection of Malaysian postage stamps can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a fun and rewarding experience.

The Malaysian postal service has issued numerous commemorative stamps over the years, with some of the most valuable and sought-after stamps featuring iconic Malaysian landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers.

To keep your collection organized, consider using acid-free albums and pages specifically designed for storing stamps.

The Malaysian postal service recommends using albums with a minimum of 80 gsm paper to prevent damage to the stamps.

Some collectors also use specialized stamp albums that feature pre-printed pages with space for each stamp, making it easier to keep track of your collection.

Malaysia has a rich postal history, with the first postage stamps issued in 1892 during the British colonial era.

Malayan Federation and Union

The Malayan Federation and Union had a significant impact on the postage stamp history of Malaysia. In 1935, the Malayan Postal Union was created, including the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States.

Postage due stamps issued during this time featured the inscription "Malayan postal union." These stamps were used in the colony and individual states.

Some notable issues from the Malayan Federation stamps include the Installation of Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (Tuanku Syed Putra) and the Colombo Plan Conference, Kuala Lumpur.

Malayan Union

Credit: youtube.com, Malayan Union - Wiki

The Malayan Union was a precursor to the Malayan Federation and played a significant role in its formation.

In 1935, the Malayan Postal Union was created, which included the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States.

Only postage due stamps were issued with the inscription "Malayan postal union", which were used in the colony and the individual states.

Malayan Federation

The Malayan Federation was a significant chapter in the history of the region. It began issuing stamps on May 5, 1957, in preparation for independence from Great Britain.

The first series of stamps featured the coat of arms and a map of the state, with four different stamps inscribed "Federation of Malaya". Commemorative stamps were issued by the Federation, while definitive stamps were issued by the individual states.

The Malayan Federation stamps are notable for their constant flaws, some of which were catalogued by Stanly Gibbons for the first time in 2013.

Some notable events were commemorated on Malayan Federation stamps, including the Installation of Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (Tuanku Syed Putra) and the Colombo Plan Conference, Kuala Lumpur.

Here are some specific stamps from the Malayan Federation series:

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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